Confucius, inclined to respond to the advances of an unworthy man, protests against his conduct being judged by ordinary rules.
1. Pî Hsî inviting him to visit him, the Master was inclined to go.
2. Tsze-lû said, "Master, formerly I have heard you say, 'When a man in his own person is guilty of doing evil, a superior man will not associate with him.' Pî Hsî is in rebellion, holding possession of Chung-mâu; if you go to him, what shall be said?"
3. The Master said, "Yes, I did use these words. But is it not said, that, if a thing be really hard, it may be ground without being made thin? Is it not said, that, if a thing be really white, it may be steeped in a dark fluid without being made black?
4. "Am I a bitter gourd? How can I be hung up out of the way of being eaten?"

Legge XVII.7.

Pi Hsi summoned the Master and the Master wanted to go. Tzu-lu said, 'Some time -ago I heard it from you, Master, that the gentleman does not enter the domain of one who in his own person does what is not good. Now Pi Hsi is using Chung Mou as a strong- hold to stage a revolt. How can you justify going there?' The Master said, 'It is true, I did say that. But has it not been said, "Hard indeed is that which can withstand grinding"? Has it not been said, "White indeed is that which can withstand black dye"? Moreover, how can I allow myself to be treated like a gourd which, instead of being eaten, hangs from the end of a string?'